So
… it’s official. We’re on the air. I’ve had my 15 minutes as
host of the channel launch coverage last Friday night, and we’re
officially being watched by the community. I’ve already been
recognized in Nob Hill.
So … it’s official. We’re on the air. I’ve had my 15 minutes as host of the channel launch coverage last Friday night, and we’re officially being watched by the community. I’ve already been recognized in Nob Hill.
“Hey… are you that public access woman?” “Yeah, that’s me.” I respond, while sifting through the Odwalla section, trying to decide which new agey shake I need the most: Wellness Formula or Superfood. I think I can use both.
Next I was stopped by the florist, who was putting together our RGB (that’s red, green, and blue…) balloon bouquet. She mentioned that she would be interested in doing a cooking show on Channel 20. Fantastic! I’ll be on the crew if we get to taste test … lol.
Now it’s your turn. Non-profit organizations, in particular. CMAP is hosting a PSA Day for you folks (that stands for Public Service Announcement), and I’m sure you’ve already received our flier in the mail with all the info.
Most non-profits I’ve worked with don’t exactly have the budget to buy airtime on a cable station, let alone have a public service announcement produced. It all sounds too expensive. Local organizations are finding out that through CMAP, they can take video production workshops and make their own PSAs, for the price of a videotape. Alas, not every non-profit has staff that are skilled in the art of videomaking, or have the time to go on shoots and toil over images in an editing suite.
Are you one of those non-profits? PSA Day is for you.
On Friday, Jan. 31 from 3 to 7 p.m., CMAP will be producing PSAs for Non-Profits in the Gavilan TV studio …for free. We’ll videotape a representative from your organization talking about services your organization offers, events coming up, etc. We’ll include music in the background, put your contact information on the screen, and use our new studio furniture (thank you, Jaime Rosso!) to create a set. You can even use the CMAP teleprompter instead of having to memorize your script.
All PSAs are 30 seconds, and are shot in studio. They will not be edited afterwards. If you’re really unhappy with it, we won’t air it. In fact, you can come back for another shot at the next PSA Day. PSAs will be airing on all four channels (17 – 20) at random times.
There are only a few spaces left, so call our Operations Manager Kelly Abbott to reserve a spot: 408-846-4983 x5. It’s time for your 15 minutes, folks!
Suzanne St. John is the director of CMAP. Her column, highlighting the news from our local community access television station, is published each Thursday in The Dispatch. Reach her at: ss*****@ma***.us
